Swan Hill Rural City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer Building Our Future Together

Economic and Community Development Manager Application Package

Swan Hill Rural City Council Phone (03) 5036 2333

Email: jobs@swanhill.vic.gov.au PO Box 488

Swan Hill VIC 3585

Contact Adam McSwain

Director Development and Planning Swan Hill Rural City Council

p: (03) 50 362 339 | m: 0438 093 783 email: amcswain@swanhill.vic.gov.au

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Contents Our Mission… ........................................................................................................................... 2 Snapshot of Council ................................................................................................................. 2 Advertisement ........................................................................................................................... 3 Key Selection Criteria… ........................................................................................................... 4 Position Description… .............................................................................................................. 6

Our Mission Swan Hill Rural City Council will lead, work with, help and empower our communities to build our future together.

Snapshot of Council Swan Hill Rural City Council is a large municipality situated in North West Victoria and covers more than 6,100 square kilometers. The Murray River provides frontage to approximately 500 kilometers of the municipality which gives the unique characteristic of lush irrigation districts reaching into the golden grain belt of the Mallee and is home to just under 21,000 people. It includes the townships of Swan Hill, Robinvale, Lake Boga, Nyah, Nyah West, Piangil, Woorinen, Ultima, Manangatang, Boundary Bend and Tresco. Almost 8,000 of our residents are employed, with agriculture, health care and retail making up almost 50 per cent of employment by industry. The Swan Hill Rural City economy is driven by agriculture and manufacturing. Almost 16 per cent of the total economic output from the region comes from agricultural production with traditional livestock and broad acre farming accounting for almost four per cent. Irrigated farming (including stone fruit, grapes, nuts, olives and vegetable production) accounts for over 11 per cent of the total economic output for the municipality and more than 18 per cent of all jobs in the city are directly related to agriculture. Additionally food manufacturing (processing) accounts for almost 10 per cent of the municipality’s economic output.

20,580 Our population

6,116km2 Our area

4,492km The length of our local roads

11,849 Our rateable properties

$1.092 billion Gross regional product

7,927 People working

50M Council budget

221.5 Council EFTs

Swan Hill Rural City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer Building Our Future Together

Advertisement

Economic and Community Development Manager Permanent Full Time The Economic and Community Development Manager is responsible for service delivery in the areas of economic development, tourism (including visitor information centres), community development and planning, sport and recreation and riverside redevelopment in Swan Hill and Robinvale. Council requires an experienced and innovative professional to market, support and grow the significant economic development opportunities available within our region. Reporting to the Director Development and Planning the successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing a team of staff to deliver plans, strategies, projects, programs and services. The position requires high level management competencies in strategic planning, budgeting, economic and community development and project management, as well as exceptional communication skills to engage with the public, private and community sectors. Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate discipline are also required. Salary: Attractive remuneration package ranging from $120,000 to $130,000 per annum, dependent upon qualifications and experience. Applications close Friday, 26 August 2016 at 5pm. Applicants that do not address the key selection criteria in their application may not be considered. Contact/apply All potential applicants are required to download Council’s application pack from the website www.swanhill.vic.gov.au/jobs For more information, please contact Adam McSwain, Director Development and Planning on (03) 5036 2385 or email amcswain@swanhill.vic.gov.au Applications should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Swan Hill Rural City Council, and emailed to jobs@swanhill.vic.gov.au or posted to PO Box 488, Swan Hill 3585.

Swan Hill Rural City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer Building Our Future Together

Position Description Economic and Community Development Manager

Award: Classification:

Parts A and B Swan Hill Rural City Council Enterprise Agreement 2014 Senior Executive Officer

Name of Occupant: VACANT

(Signature)

Approved:

JOHN McLINDEN Chief Executive Officer

(Signature)

Date:

Records Only: Document ID Number:

File Number:

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Accountability Statement The Economic and Community Development Manager is accountable to the Director Development and Planning for the development and implementation of strategies, projects and initiatives that support the sustainable growth and development of communities and businesses throughout the municipality.

Position Objective • Provide strategic leadership to staff in Economic and Community Development unit and

foster and promote a culture of commitment and accountability amongst all staff within areas of responsibility.

• To strive to maximise economic benefits to the municipality by engaging with existing business, potential investors and linking with wider economic development initiatives.

• Promote investment opportunities within the municipality that add to the economy.

• To develop, implement, facilitate and co-ordinate economic and tourism development initiatives as identified both in the Council Plan and various strategies.

• To provide management for Council programs/projects relating to economic development and tourism, recreation, external funding, community grants, community planning, Aboriginal Partnership Programs, Rural Access and short term projects and programs.

• Leverage State and Federal funds to support economic and community development outcomes

• Provide strategic direction and develop policy, service levels and standards in regard to all issues within areas of responsibility.

• Ensure that services within areas of responsibility are delivered in a cost effective and equitable way.

Key Responsibility Areas The Economic and Community Development Manager will provide strategic guidance and advice, develop, manage and implement policies and strategies and participate where necessary as a Council representative in the following areas:

• Tourism and Marketing

• Visitor Information Centre and visitor servicing

• Economic Development

• Investment Facilitation

• Community Grants • Seeking external funding support

• Council owned or managed Recreation Services

• Community development and capacity building

• Council owned Caravan Parks

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Council Representation and Networking • Represent Council and the Region at a range of tourism and promotional exhibitions and

activities as strategically identified to increase visitation.

• Represent Council on relevant Regional, State and National bodies and industry groups.

• Establish and maintain an awareness of relevant political, social and legislative developments likely to impact on economic development, tourism and local communities.

• Establish and maintain an effective network of key contacts with appropriate government agencies, businesses, tourism bodies and local community organisations to ensure the effective development and delivery of initiatives in the areas of responsibility.

• Ensure the municipality is actively participating in a collaborative approach to economic development and tourism across the region with other key stakeholders.

• Harness and coordinate Council, Government, business and community resources in pursuit of investment and economic development initiatives and outcomes.

General Management • Provide effective overall management of the Programs.

• Ensure all administrative processes are completed with all relevant agencies.

• Initiate and develop policies, procedures and operational guidelines relevant to Programs under Managers control.

• Manage a sustainable and ongoing, municipality-wide community planning framework.

• Manage the implementation of objectives identified in the Aboriginal Partnership Plan.

• Ensure Council’s grants register is maintained and current.

• Manage the operation of Council’s Leisure and Aquatics Centre Contracts

• Oversee the contracts for Council owned Caravan Parks at Robinvale, Swan Hill and Lake Boga.

• Undertake the role of Council’s Municipal Recovery Manager position as contained in Council’s Municipal Emergency Management Plan.

Grant Processes and Community Facilitation • Manage external grant funding applications for Council’s major projects within the scope

of the position ensuring effective liaison with Managers of Programs and Directors regarding potential initiatives for funding opportunities.

• Reflect Council Plan initiatives, Asset Management, Community and Major Projects Plans, Budgets and other adopted strategies as priorities when determining requirements for funding applications.

• Act as internal liaison between wider community and Council’s Engineering Services, Planning and Building Departments regarding community projects, upgrades and improvements prior to inception and during project development.

• Liaise with relevant Directors and coordinate community input on the development of major project submissions.

• Report regularly to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) on major grant applications prior to and after lodgment.

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Administration and Reporting • Oversee the management and maintenance of Council’s tourism and economic

development promotional tools.

• Manage the daily operations and strategic direction of the Visitor Information Centre maintaining Accreditation levels and ensuring appropriate service delivery to visitors of the Centre.

• Oversee the development and implementation of Council’s skilled migration program.

Financial • Manage the finances of the Economic and Community Development Unit, including the

development of Budget proposals and the utilisation of resources in accordance with approved budgetary expenditure.

• Prepare annual operational budgets, and recommend appropriate resource levels for operation of Programs.

• Monitor ongoing financial viability of the Programs, within budgetary constraints and Council’s strategic objectives.

• Assist the Coordinators and Project Managers to ensure the accountability requirements of funding agencies are met.

Human and Other Resource Management • Supervision and development of staff within Managers areas of responsibility including

appropriate delegation and monitoring of responsibilities, recruitment, performance management, analysis and implementation of training requirements, succession planning and annual performance review.

• Develop and maintain a culture within the Unit which emphasises strong customer service, a clear business like focus and ongoing development of efficient work practices through a positive team environment.

• Provide leadership to staff by communicating corporate objectives and expectations, developing a team focus, and promoting the preferred organisational culture.

• Conduct or oversee as appropriate the effective implementation of human resource policies and procedures including equal opportunity, occupational health and safety and risk management.

Occupational Health and Safety • Work safely and not place at risk the health and safety of other workers or the public.

• Comply with all Occupational Health and Safety procedures and requirements.

• Understand the principles of risk management including application to property, liability and occupational health and safety.

• Inform, train and supervise staff to enable them to understand and follow safe working procedures. Ensure new employee induction includes the Risk Management System.

• Assist Council’s OHS Committee to investigate and report on all occupational health and safety incidents and accidents so that weaknesses in Council’s occupational health and safety system are identified and corrected.

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Policy / Planning • Develop strategies and operational plans relevant to the functions of Programs under

Managers areas of responsibility • Provide advice to the Director Development and Planning and Council on strategic issues. • Maintain appropriate links with professional bodies in order to capitalise on opportunities,

and to remain informed of current trends.

Accountability and Extent of Authority This position is authorised to manage the Programs under the Manager’s control and their resources within the bounds of the annual budget and relevant Council policy and in particular:

• Is authorised to make decisions on all matters that are the responsibility of the position subject to the decisions being within delegated authority, legislative requirements, established policy or recognised standards.

• May commit expenditure as appropriate within the Programs and express delegations which the position manages.

• Is accountable for the attainment of budget targets both in terms of outputs and financial constraints, including relevant funding and service agreements.

• Has authority to provide supervision and direction to subordinate officers within the Unit. • Is authorised to sign routine correspondence within Councils adopted delegations. • Is authorised to carry out annual Staff Performance Reviews, make recommendation on

remuneration and development of staff and deal with other staff management issues for those staff under the officer’s supervision and in accordance with Council policies.

• Is accountable for the overall conduct and performance of staff in Manager’s control in relation to the attainment of Council’s corporate objectives and the implementations of Council’s policies.

• Is authorised to carry out assessment and make recommendation on appropriate appointments to staff positions under the Manager’s supervision.

Judgment and Decision Making Under general supervision and guidance by the Director Development and Planning this position has the freedom to act in carrying out those duties and responsibilities specified in this position description, utilising personal judgment in the allocation of time and other duties. This position requires a high level of problem solving and policy development, with identification and development of options for consideration by the Director Development and Planning The position shall:

• Display good judgment on technical, financial and human resource issues.

• Possess demonstrated capacity to develop and consider options and make timely decisions consistent with organisational plans, priorities, procedures and culture.

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Specialist Skills and Knowledge • Strong understanding of the operations and complexities of the tourism industry including

product development and marketing. • Experience in economic and or community development facilitation, project management,

monitoring and evaluation with proven leadership and research skills.

• High level communication, advocacy and interpersonal skills are required for public relations liaison, public speaking, making presentations, chairing and participating in meetings.

• High standard report writing skills. • Expertise in budgets, accounting and financial procedures and application of budgetary

development and control. • Demonstrated ability to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders to work towards an

agreed outcome.

• Excellent understanding of community development principles and practices including the ability to build community capacity.

• Specialist knowledge and application of legislation, regulations, policies and standard practice and procedures relevant to the position.

• Understanding of the history of Aboriginal community integration strategies and the ability to have the confidence of and acceptance within Aboriginal communities as well as the wider community.

• Ability to identify and develop policies and solutions from identified corporate objectives.

Management Skills • High level human, interpersonal and physical resource management skills.

• Understanding of and ability to implement personnel practices particularly relating to equal opportunity, occupational health and safety and employee training and development.

• Ability to develop effective, innovative strategies and apply a logical approach in the development and implementation of work/collections systems.

• Ability to establish priorities and to achieve objectives within given timeframes despite conflicting pressures.

• Ability to effectively communicate and negotiate with management and staff and develop ownership and compliance with processes, projects and procedures.

• Possess leadership skills with the ability to train, motivate and supervise staff.

• Ability to independently problem solve in difficult circumstances, establish priorities and meet strict deadlines and have conceptual skills to accurately perceive, interpret and manage complex issues and relationships.

• Highly developed time management skills, capacity to plan, organise and meet changing priorities and objectives.

• Relationship building skills within and outside the organisation

• An understanding of the needs and concerns of citizens. A willingness to listen and the ability to strike an acceptable compromise, where appropriate, to resolve outstanding matters.

• High level of enthusiasm with the ability to productively manage time and stressful situations.

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Qualifications and Experience • Appropriate tertiary and post tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Design, Construction or related

fields.

• Qualifications or training in Project Management or Business is desirable.

• A minimum of five years experience in a senior management position.

• Relevant Local Government experience at a senior level is preferred.

• Senior level operations, contract or project management experience.

• Current Victorian Drivers Licence.

• Satisfactory Police Check is required prior to appointment to the position.

• Broad experience with community consultations on service delivery and policy development.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of infrastructure services.

Organisational Relationships Reports to: Director Development and Planning

Supervises: Staff of the Economic and Community Development team

Internal Liaisons: Councillors Chief Executive Officer Executive Leadership Team Senior Management Team Property Officers Media Liaison Officer Other Council Staff as required

External Liaisons: Local Community Local Businesses / Business Groups

Representatives of other Municipalities Cultural representative groups Sporting and Community groups Industry Associations / Groupings Relevant state and federal government organisations

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Performance Criteria Performance will be formally reviewed annually, and shall take into consideration both managerial behaviours as shown in the Key Performance Indicators listed below, and specific objectives set for the term of the review. The specific performance objectives will be set and agreed each year following the formal performance review Key performance indicators • Financial and Asset Management

• Relationship with Council and the Executive Leadership Team

• Human Resource Management

• External Relations • Personal Competencies

Key Selection Criteria • Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as Tourism, Economic Development,

Community Development or Marketing are desirable and/or considerable experience in a related environment.

• Proven ability to negotiate outcomes with government, business and community

• Demonstrated experience in strategy development and project management in tourism, marketing or economic development fields and community facilitation.

• Demonstrable and highly developed advocacy and influencing skills

• Highly developed interpersonal skills evidenced by an ability to maintain effective relationships with Council, the community, management and staff

• Demonstrated professional training and experience in management, including experience in personnel management, budget preparation and maintenance of administrative and financial systems.

• Experience in administration and policy formation.

• Victorian Drivers License. Note: Programs/activities within the Department may be subject to variations in titles, duties and responsibilities within the term of the employment contract, having regard to the need for flexibility and responsiveness.

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General Information

Proof of qualifications Prior to commencement with Swan Hill Rural City Council, the successful applicant will be required to provide Human Resources with original copies of all qualifications (or other satisfactory proof of qualification) and a copy off all such qualifications shall be made and kept on the employee’s personnel file.

Disclosure of pre-existing injuries The successful applicant will also be required to complete Swan Hill Rural City Council’s Disclosure of Pre-Existing Injuries Form. This formally notifies Council of any pre-existing injury or disease that the incumbent has suffered that could be affected by the nature of the proposed employment. Failure to make a disclosure, or making a false or misleading disclosure, may disqualify the incumbent from any Workers’ Compensation entitlements for any recurrence, aggravation or acceleration of the pre-existing injury or disease if it is sustained in the course of, or due to the nature of their employment with the Swan Hill Rural City Council pursuant to Section 41 of the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation And Compensation Act 2013